In a recent public hearing organized at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, Pallithottam, the Kerala State Women’s Commission (KSWC) chairperson, P. Sathidevi, emphasized the need for comprehensive support for women engaged in fish vending. She underscored the importance of providing financial assistance, marketing support, and essential resources to empower women in this sector.
Ms. Sathidevi highlighted the challenges faced by women fish vendors and proposed practical solutions to address them. She advocated for the provision of marketing assistance, including the distribution of two-wheelers, to facilitate easier access to markets. Additionally, she stressed the importance of offering financial aid at low interest rates to protect women from exploitation by moneylenders.
Recognizing the significant contribution of the fishing sector to the state’s economy, Ms. Sathidevi emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting it. She mentioned the allocation of ₹35 crore in the previous budget for establishing and promoting marketing facilities within the sector.
During the public hearing, women vendors raised various issues, including the lack of transportation facilities, inadequate toilet facilities at the harbor, and difficulties in accessing bank loans. They also expressed concerns about the mixing of stale fish with fresh catch by some boats and demanded inclusion under the Kerala Fishermen’s Welfare Fund Board (KFWFB).
Moreover, the women urged for broader awareness campaigns to inform coastal communities about government welfare schemes and benefits available to them. They emphasized the need for inclusive policies that consider all individuals engaged in allied activities related to fishing as part of the fishing community.
Overall, the public hearing shed light on the challenges faced by women fish vendors and underscored the importance of implementing measures to empower and support them in their livelihoods.
